PHENYL-ALKYL IMIDAZOLES AS H3-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS

Abstract: The invention provides novel phenyl-alkyl-imidazoles of formula (I) wherein A, R<1>, R<2>, m and n are as defined in the specification, and the group —(CH2)n—A—R<1> is at the 3- or 4-position, together with their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These phenyl-alkyl-imidazoles and salts have valuable pharmacological properties, especially CNS activities and activity against inflammatory disease.

Description: Pheπyl-Al yl Imldazoles as H3-receptor antagonists FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to phenyl-alkyl-imidazoles having valuable pharmacological properties, especially CNS activities and activity against inflammatory disease. Compounds of this invention are antagonists of the H3 receptor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION European Patent Application No. 0 420 396 A2 (Smith Kline & French Laboratories Limited) and Howson et al., Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Letters, Vol. 2 No. 1 (1992), pp. 77-78 describe imidazole derivatives having an amidine group as H3 agonists. Van der Groot et al. (Eur. J. Med. Chem. (1992) Vol. 27, pp. 511-517) describe isothiourea analogs of histamine as potent agonists or antagonists of the histamine H3 receptor, and these isothiourea analogs of histamine overlap in part with those of the two references cited above. Clapham et al. ["Ability of Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists to improve Cognition and to increase Acetylcholine Release in vivo in the Rat", British Assn. for Psychopharmacology, July 25-28 1993, reported in J. Psychopharmacol. (Abstr. Book), A17] describe the ability of histamine H3 receptor antagonists to improve cognition and to increase release of acetylcholine in vivo in the rat. Clapham et al. ["Ability of the selective Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonist Thioperamide to improve Short-term Memory and Reversal Learning in the Rat", Brit. J. Pharm. Suppl., 1993, 110, Abstract 65P] present results showing that thioperamide can improve short-term memory and reversal learning in the rat and implicate the involvement of H3 receptors in the modulation of cognitive function. Yokoyama et al. ["Effect of thioperamide, a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, on electrically induced convulsions in mice", Eur. J. Pharmacol., vol. 234 (1993), pp. 129-133] report how thioperamide decreased the duration of each phase of convulsion and raised the electroconvulsive threshold, and go on to suggest that these and other findings support the hypothesis that the central histaminergic system is involved in the inhibition of seizures. International Patent Publication No. WO9301812-A1 (SmithKline Beecham PLC) describes the use of S-[3-(4(5)- imidazolyl)propyl]isothiourea as a histamine H3 antagonist, especially for treating cognitive disorders, e.g. Alzheimer's disease and age-related memory impairment. Schlicker et al. ["Novel histamine H3 receptor antagonists: affinities in an H3 receptor binding assay and potencies in two functional H3 receptor models"] describe a number of imidazolylalkyl compounds wherein the imidazolylalkyl group is bonded to a guanidine group, an ester group or an amide group (including thioamide and urea), and compare these to thioperamide. Leurs et al. ["The histamine H3-receptor: A target for developing new drugs", Progr. Drug Res. (1992) vol. 39, pp. 127-165] and Lipp et al. ["Pharmacochemistry of H3-receptors" in The Histamine Receptor, eds.: Schwartz and Haas, Wiley-Liss, New York (1992), pp. 57-72] review a variety of synthetic H3 receptor antagonists, and Lipp et al. (ibid. ) have defined the necessary structural requirements for an H3 receptor antagonist. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a compound of the formula wherein: A is selected from -O-CO-NR -, -0-CO-, -NRI-CO-NR 1 -, -NR 1 -CO-, -NR1-, -0-, -CO-NRI-, -CO-O-- and -C(:NR1)-NR1-; the groups R 1 , which may be the same or different when there are two or three such groups in the molecule of formula I, are selected from hydrogen, and lower alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclic and heterocyclyl-alkyl groups, and groups of the formula -(CH 2 ) y -G, where G is selected from C0 2 R 3 , COR 3 , CONR 3 R 4 , OR 3 , SR 3 , NR 3 R 4 , heteroaryl and phenyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy or polyhaloloweralkyl, and y is an integer from 1 to 3; R 2 is selected from hydrogen and halogen atoms, and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and trifluoromethyl groups, and groups of the formula OR 3 , SR 3 and NR 3 R 4 ; R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from hydrogen, and lower alkyl and cycloalkyl groups, or R 3 and R 4 together with the intervening nitrogen atom can form a saturated ring containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms that can be substituted with one or two lower alkyl groups; with the proviso that, when y is 1 and G is OR 3 , SR 3 or NR 3 R 4 , then neither R 3 nor R 4 is hydrogen; the group -(CH2) n -A-R 1 is at the 3- or 4-position, and the group R 2 is at any free position; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base when G is CO2H; including a tautomeric form thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Compounds of the formula I can exist in tautomeric forms by virtue of the imidazole ring: the N-hydrogen atom can tautomerize from one nitrogen atom to the other of that ring. Furthermore, compounds wherein A is a group of the formula -C(:NH)-NR 1 -, so that the side chain is -(CH2) n -C(:NH)-NRi 2 . where only one group R 1 is hydrogen, can exist in tautomeric forms. For example, if just one group R 1 is hydrogen, then one tautomeric form can be represented by the formula wherein m, n and R 1 are as defined above, except that R 1 is not hydrogen. The interconversion of the tautomers is catalyzed by acids. All such tautomeric forms are covered by the invention; in particular, where a compound of formula I is referred to or a compound is named according to formula I, then all such tautomeric forms of the compound are covered. The compounds of the invention are basic and form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with organic and inorganic acids. Examples of suitable acids for such salt formation are hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, citric, oxalic, malonic, salicylic, malic, fumaric, succinic, ascorbic, maleic, methanesulfonic and other mineral and carboxylic acids well known to those skilled in the art. The salts are prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce a salt in the conventional manner. The free base forms may be regenerated by treating the salt with a suitable dilute aqueous base solution such as dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, ammonia and sodium bicarbonate. The free base forms differ from their corresponding salt forms somewhat in certain physical properties, such as solubility in polar solvents, but the salts are otherwise equivalent to their corresponding free base forms for purposes of this invention. Certain compounds of the invention are zwitterionic in nature, in particular the compounds that possess a carboxyl group in G. These compounds can form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with bases also. Examples of such salts are the sodium, potassium, calcium, aluminum, gold and silver salts, and also salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable amines such as ammonia, alkylamines, hydroxyalkylamines, N-methylglucamine and the like. When used herein, the following terms have the given meanings: lower alkyl (including the alkyl portions of lower alkoxy) - represents a straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon chain having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4; lower alkenyl (in R 2 ) - represents a straight or branched aliphatic hydro¬ carbon radical having at least one carbon-to-carbon double bond (preferably in conjugation with the benzene ring that the group R 2 substitutes) and having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; lower alkynyl (in R 2 ) - represents a straight or branched aliphatic hydro- carbon radical having at least one carbon-to-carbon triple bond (preferably in conjugation with the benzene ring that the group R 2 substitutes) and having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms; aryl - represents a carbocyclic group having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms and having at least one benzenoid ring, with all available substitutable aromatic carbon atoms of the carbocyclic group being intended as possible points of attachment, said carbocyclic group being optionally substituted with 1 to 3 Y groups, each independently selected from halo, alkyl, hydroxy, loweralkoxy, phenoxy, amino, loweralkylamino, diloweralkylamino, and polyhaloloweralkyl. Preferred aryl groups include 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl and indanyl, and especially phenyl and substituted phenyl; cycloalkyl - represents a saturated carbocyclic ring having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably 5 or 6; halogen - represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine; heterocyclic - represents, in addition to the heteroaryl groups defined below, saturated and unsaturated cyclic organic groups having at least one O, S and/or N atom interrupting a carbocyclic ring structure that consists of one ring or two fused rings, wherein each ring is 5-, 6- or 7-membered and may or may not have double bonds that lack delocalized pi electrons, which ring structure has from 2 to 8, preferably from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; e.g., 2- or 3-piperidinyl, 2- or 3-piperazinyl, 2- or 3-morpholinyl, or 2- or 3-thiomorpholinyl; heteroaryl - represents a cyclic organic group having at least one O, S and/or N atom interrupting a carbocyclic ring structure and having a sufficient number of delocalized pi electrons to provide aromatic character, with the aromatic heterocyclic group having from 2 to 14, preferably 4 or 5 carbon atoms, e.g., 2-, 3- or 4-pyridyl, 2- or 3-furyl, 2- or 3-thienyl, 2-, 4- or 5-thiazolyl, 2- or 4-imidazolyl, 2-, 4- or 5-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, or 3- or 4-pyridazinyl, etc. Preferred heteroaryl groups are 2-, 3- and 4-pyridyl; heterocyclyl-alkyl - represents a heterocyclic group defined above substituting an alkyl group; e.g., 2-(3-piperidinyl)-ethyl, (2-piperazinyl)-methyl, 3-(2-morpholinyl)-propyl, (3-thiomorpholinyl)-methyl, 2-(4-pyridyl)-ethyl, (3-pyridyl)-methyl, or (2-thienyl)-methyl. Preferably, A is -CH2-NR 1 - or especially -C(:NH)-NR 1 -: i.e., the compounds have formula IC wherein X is H2 or NH: preferred compounds of the formula IC include those wherein m is 1 or 2, and n is 0, 1 or 2, more especially those of the formula Other preferred values of A include -O-CO-NR 1 -, -0-, and -CO-O-. In all these compounds, the groups R 1 are as defined above, and the side chain [-(CH 2 ) n -C(=X)-NR 1 2 or -(CH 2 ) n -C(=NH)-NRi 2 ] is preferably at the 4-position. In compounds of formula I and especially in compounds of formulae IC and IB, one group R 1 is preferably selected from hydrogen, 2-phenylethyl, 4-chlorophenylmethyl, 4-methoxyphenylmethyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl and 4-pyridylmethyl, but is especially 4-chlorophenylmethyl; any other group R 1 that is present is preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. Preferred compounds of the formula I include those selected from the following formulae, where the compounds bear the same numbering as in the Examples (except that the compounds in the Examples are salts, e.g., the dihydrochlorides): The following compounds of this invention are of special interest: N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-(1H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzamide; N-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-[2-(1 H.-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzamide; N-phenylmethyl-4-(1jH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(1 H.-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzamide; N-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-(1]H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzamide; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 4-(1 H.-i idazol-4-ylmethyl)benzoate; 2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl 4-[2-(1]H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzoate; phenylmethyl 4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzoate; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 3-(1 hl-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzoate; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 4-[2-(1 l-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzoate; 2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl 4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzoate; 4-[[4-[[(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]methyl]phenyl]methyl]-1 H.-iπnidazole; 4-[2-[4-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]phenyl]ethyl]-1JH-imidazole; 4-[[4-[(phenylmethoxy)methyl]phenyl]methyl]-1M-imidazole; 4-[[3-[[(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]methyl]phenyl]methyl]-1 H.-imidazole; 4-[2-[4-[[(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]methyl]phenyl]ethyl]-1 H.-imidazole; 4-[[4-[2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]phenyl]methyl]-1H-imidazole; [4-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl 4-chlorobenzoate; 2-[4-[2-(1M-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]ethyl 4-chlorobenzoate; [4-(1 H.-innidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl benzoate; [3-(1 H_-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl 4-chlorobenzoate; 2-[4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl 4-chlorobenzoate; [4-[2-(1 H[-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]methyl 4-chlorobenzoate; [4-(1jH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamate; 2-[4-[2-(1Jd-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]ethyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamate; [4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl N-phenylcarbamate; [3-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamate; 2-[4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamate; [4-[2-(1M-imidazol-4-yl)ethyI]phenyl]methyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)carbamate; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzene- carboximidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzene- ethanimidamide; N-phenylmethyl-4-(1 IH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzenecarboximidamide; N-f(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzene- carboximidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzeneethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(1 H.-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzene- carboximidamide; 4-chloro-N-[[4-(1 IH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide; 4-chloro-N-[2-[4-[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]ethyl]benzamide; N-[[4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide; 4-chloro-N-[[3-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide; 4-chloro-N-[2-[4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl]benzamide; 4-chloro-N-[[4-[2-(1jH-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]methyl]benzamide; 4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]benzene- carboximidamide; 4-(1 H[-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-[[(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzene- carboximidamide; 4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-(4-pyridinylmethyl)benzenecarboximidamide; 4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-(2-phenylethyl)benzenecarboximidamide; 2-[4-(1 H.-innidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-N-(2-phenylethyl)benzeneethanimidamide; 3-(1 H[-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-(2-phenylethyl)benzenecarboximidamide; 4-(1JH-innidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-(2-phenylethyl)benzeneethanimidamide; 2-[4-(1 hl-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-N-(2-phenylethyl)benzenecarboximidamide; 4-(1M-inriidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzenecarboximidamide; 3- ( 1 M-im idazol-4-ylm ethy l)benzenecarboxim idam ide; 3-[2-(1id-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzenecarboximidamide; 4-[2-(1JH-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzenecarboximidamide; 4-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzenemethanamine; 2-[4-(1M-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N- methylcarbamate; 2-[4-[2-(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)]ethyl]phenyl]ethyl N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N- methylcarbamate; 2-[4-(1 H . -imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl N-(phenylmethyl)-N- methylcarbamate; 2-[3-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N- methylcarbamate; 2-[4-[2-(1Jl-imidazol-4-yl)]ethyl]phenyl]ethyl N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]- carbarn ate; 2-[4-(1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]- carbamate; 2-[4-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl 4-chlorobenzeneacetate; 2-[4-[2-(1 H.-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]ethyl 4-chlorobenzeneacetate; 2-[4-(1M-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl benzeneacetate; 2-[3-(1H . -imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl 4-chlorobenzeneacetate; N'-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-[[4-(1Ji-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]-N,N'- dimethyiurea; N'-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-[2-[4-[2-(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]ethyl]-N,N'- dimethylurea; N'-(phenylmethyl)-N-[[4-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]-N,N'- dimethylurea; N'-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-[[3-(1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]-N,N'- dimethylurea; N'-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-[2-[4-(1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-N,N'- dimethylurea; N , -[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-[[4-[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]methyl]-N ) N'- dimethylurea; 4-chloro-N-[[4-(1H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]-N-methylbenzene- acetamide; 4-chloro-N-[2-[4-[2-(1]i-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]ethyl]-N-methylbenzene- acetamide; N-[[4-(1H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]-N-methylbenzeneacetamide; 4-chloro-N-[[3-(1ti-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]methyl]-N-methylbenzene- acetamide; 4-chloro-N-[[4-(1H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-N-methylbenzene- acetamide; 4-chloro-N-[[4-[2-(1JH-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]phenyl]methyl]-N-methylbenzene- acetamide; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 4-(1jH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzeneethanoate; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 4-[2-(1]H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzenepropanoate; phenylmethyl 4-(1H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzeneethanoate; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 3-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzeneethanoate; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 4-(1H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzenepropanoate; (4-chlorophenyl)methyl 4-[2-(1 H_-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzeneethanoate; 4-[[4-[[(3-chlorophenyl)methoxy]methyl]phenyl]methyl]-1H.-imidazole; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-[4-(1]H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-benzene- ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(1H.-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-N-methyl-benzene- propanimidamide; N-(phenylmethyl)-[4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-benzene- ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-[3-(1H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-benzene- ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-[4-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-benzene- propanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(1JH-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]-N-methyl-benzene- ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[2-(1JH-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl]benzene- propanimidamide; N-(phenylmethyl)-4-(1JH-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzeneethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-(1JH-i idazol-4-ylmethyl)benzeneethanimidamide; and N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-(1 H.-imidazol-4-ylmethyl)benzene- propanimidamide. Compounds of this invention are antagonists of the H 3 receptor. As such, they may be useful for the treatment of various allergic, inflammatory, Gl-tract, or cardiovascular diseases. In addition, they possess CNS activity; they may be useful as sleep regulators, anticonvulsants, cognition enhancers, anti- depressants, regulators of hypothalamo-hypophyseal secretions, and the like. A further feature of the invention therefore is pharmaceutical compositions containing as active ingredient a compound of the formula I defined above (or salt or tautomer), especially a compound of the formula IC, together with a pharmaceutical carrier or excipient. Further features of the invention are methods for treating inflammation, allergy, diseases of the Gl-tract, cardiovascular disease, or disturbances of the central nervous system, which comprise administering to a patient suffering from the corresponding disease an effective amount of a compound of the formula I defined above (or salt or tautomer). Preparation of Final Products Compounds of the formula I can be prepared by standard methods. Typical methods appropriate for the preparation of the compounds of the formula I are illustrated below, wherein the radicals, m and n are as defined above (unless otherwise stated) and 0 represents a phenyl group; for convenience, the group R 2 has been omitted from the reaction schemes, but its absence does not affect the operability of the chemical reactions. The particular process chosen should not cause significant decomposition elsewhere in the molecule; for example, removal of a protecting group by hydrogenolysis should not cause the loss of an essential phenylmethyl group. The first processes A through E illustrate methods for the preparation of compounds of the formula IC. A. For the preparation of a compound of formula IC wherein X is NH, reduction of an amidoxime of the formula: (or an acid addition salt thereof) wherein Z 1 is a group (CH^m. or a dehydro derivative thereof when m is 2 or 3, and Z 2 is a group (CH2) n . or a dehydro derivative thereof when n is 2 or 3. The reduction can be effected for example by means of catalytic hydrogenation in an inert solvent, e.g., over Rh/Al2θ3 or Pd/C, but especially over Raney nickel; the solvent is preferably a lower alkanol. (A dehydro derivative of a compound of formula π wherein m and/or n is 2 or 3 will have a double bond in the carbon chain between the imidazole ring and the phenyl ring or between the phenyl ring and the group C(:NOH)NR 1 2; this double bond will be reduced in the same step as the reduction of the group C(:N0H)NR1 2 .) B. Removal of a protecting group from a compound of the formula: wherein Pg is a protecting group. The protecting group is preferably one that can be removed by hydrolysis or hydrogenolysis; it can for example be a trityl group (C-eHδtøC-, which is preferably removed by hydrolysis in an aqueous organic solvent. The hydrolysis can for example be effected by means of mineral acid in an aqueous water-miscible organic solvent such as a lower alkanol, especially methanol or ethanol. Other protecting groups that can be used (and their method of removal) include t-Bu-O.CO- [often abbreviated to t-BOC] (which can be removed with acid, or with hydrazine, ammonia and a lower alkanol, e.g., methanol or ethanol), (2-triloweralky!silyl)ethoxymethyl groups, especially Mβ3Si.(CH2)2-O.CH2- [often abbreviated to SEM] (which can be removed with acid or fluoride ion), and disubstituted aminosulfonyl, especially Mβ2N.Sθ2 (which can be removed with acid or base). C. For the preparation of a compound of formula IC wherein X is NH, reaction of an imidate salt containing a cation of the formula wherein m and n are as defined above, Pg" is a hydrogen atom or preferably a protecting group (such as Me2N.Sθ2), and R is a lower alkyl group, especially a methyl or ethyl group, with an amine of the formula NHR 1 2, wherein the groups R 1 . which may be the same or different, are as defined above, according to the general method disclosed by Pinner in "Die Imidoather und ihre Derivate", R. Oppenheim, Berlin, 1892 (when Pg" is preferably a hydrogen atom), or the adaptation disclosed by Dox, Org. Synth., Coll. Vol. 1 , 5 (1941). The anion associated with the cation of the formula IIIA may for example be methosulfate or fluoroborate (as disclosed by Weintraub et al., J. Org. Chem., Vol. 33 no. 4 (April 1968), pp. 1679-1681), but is most preferably a halide (e.g., chloride). D. Reaction of a nitrile of the formula IV: with an ammonium salt, to yield a compound of the formula I wherein X is NH, or reduction of the nitrile of the formula IV to yield a compound of the formula IC wherein X is H . These processes provide a compound of the formula IC wherein both groups R 1 are hydrogen. Preferred reducing agents include lithium aluminum hydride (when Z 1 and Z 2 do not contain double bonds), or catalytic hydrogenation, e.g., with Raney nickel and chloroplatinic acid (especially when Z 1 and Z 2 do contain double bonds). E. For the preparation of a compound of formula IC wherein X is H2, reaction of an aldehyde of the formula wherein Pg" is a hydrogen atom or a protecting group, with an amine of the formula NHR 1 2, in the presence of a reducing agent and of an inert organic solvent. The reducing agent may for example be Raney nickel or sodium cyanoborohydride. Any protecting group Pg" that is present after the reduction can be removed, for example as described above under Process B. In all of these processes, reactive or functional groups that might become modified during the process (or might even cause large-scale decomposition of the compounds) should be protected with protecting groups that can be readily removed when the process has been carried out. (Such groups may include, but are not restricted to, for example, a hydroxy group OH in G.) Details of such groups and of their removal are well known in the art and are given in standard textbooks, for example "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", by Greene and Wuts (2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1991). Preparation of Starting Materials and Intermediates Starting materials for processes A, B, C, D and E can be prepared by the methods discussed below, wherein: Y represents a group convertible into -(CH2)n-CX.NRι, e.g., CN or a group convertible into Z 2 -CN; M and Y 1 are as defined in Table 1 below; and Z 1 , Z 2 , Pg and Pg" are as hereinabove defined; except that, when Y 1 represents a divalent group, then Z 1 , to compensate, lacks a hydrogen atom from the carbon atom bonded to Y 1 ; and, when Y 1 contains a carbon atom, then Z 1 contains one carbon atom fewer. Main preliminary reaction stage: v vι vπ Reaction conditions (for both steps, where there is more than one) are given in the following Table, wherein OTs stands for toluene-4-sulfonyloxy, TCDI stands for thiocarbonyldiimidazole, and AIBN stands for azoisobutylnϊmle. TABLE 1 M Y1 Solvent Temper¬ Comments ature MgBr, I, Br, OTs CH 2 CI 2 0°C to Cul or THF reflux MgBr =0 CH2CI2 0°C to Reduction of hydroxy group in second or THF reflux step can be effected with TCDI, BusSnH and AIBN in benzene/toluene from 0° to reflux MgBr, COCI, CH2CI2 0°C to Reduction of carbonyl group in second Cul Cθ2alkyl or THF reflux step can be effected under Wolff- Kishner conditions, or with an alkane- dithiol (to form a thioketal) and Raney nickel under reflux Values of Y (and Z 2 ) in Intermediates The group Y representing CN or a group convertible into Z 2 -CN can also be represented by Z 2 Y 2 wherein Z 2 is as hereinabove defined and Y 2 is a group convertible into CN; except that, when Y 2 represents a divalent group, then Z 2 , to compensate, lacks a hydrogen atom from the carbon atom bonded to Y 2 . When n in the compound of formula IC is to be 0 (i.e., when Z 2 is simply a bond), Y is preferably CN. When n is to be 1 , 2 or 3, the group Y can be provided by the following reaction schemes, wherein the radicals are as defined above, and 0 represents a phenyl group: I) For n = 1 , Y is preferably -CH(OR) 2 , wherein R is lower alkyl, preferably Me or Et, or the two groups R together form an ethylene or a trimethylene group: VΠA This yields an aldehyde of the formula VIIB having Y = CHO; it can be converted into a compound of the formula VII wherein Y = CN by reaction with tosylmethylisocyanide and t-BuOK and then methanol, or with KCN and (2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonylhydrazide; π) For n = 2, Y again is preferably -CH(OR)2, which can be converted as above and then through -CH=CH-CN into -CH2CH2-CN: m) For n = 3, Y is preferably -CH(OR)2, which can be converted through -CHO, -CH 2 -CHO and -CH 2 -CH=CH-CN into -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -CN, analogously to methods given above: Compounds of the formula V can be prepared from the corresponding iodide by the methods of the references given in J. Org. Chem. 1991 , 56, 5739-5740. Aldehydes for use in process E above are for example compounds of the formulae vπ and VIIQ in paragraph III) above wherein Z 1 is a group (CH2)m. or can be prepared therefrom by lengthening of the aldehyde side-chain. Values of Z 1 in Intermediates Compounds of the formula Vπ can be prepared by the following schemes, wherein the radicals are as defined above, 0 represents a phenyl group, and Q represents a hydrocarbyl group, preferably a lower alkyl group, especially methyl or ethyl: i) For m = 1 , a metal derivative of an N-protected imidazole of the formula V (wherein M is e.g. MgBr) can be reacted with a Y-substituted-benz- aldehyde of the formula VIA, and the resulting substituted benzyl alcohol of the formula VIIE can be reduced, for example as indicated in the following scheme: ii) For m = 2, one of the following schemes can be used: a) Base, e.g., t-BuOK or y jjG c) iii) For m = 3, one of the following schemes can be used: a) Bu 3 SnH and AIBN. b) c) Conversion of Nitrile The compound of the formula VII (designated VIIA through VπS above, but VII 1 or Vπ" in the following schemes) wherein Y represents CN or a group convertible into Z 2 -CN can then be converted into the starting material for Process A, B, C or D by the following processes I, π, or HI, respectively: I. Conversion of a compound of the formula Vπ' into an amidoxime of the formula IIA: This reaction can be carried out with a hydroxylamine salt, e.g., the hydrochloride, in the presence of a base such as potassium hydroxide in an inert organic solvent such as ethanol at elevated temperature, e.g., under reflux. The group Pg' represents a protecting group (if that group is stable to the reaction conditions) or a hydrogen atom (if the protecting group is displaced under the reaction conditions, as for example a trityl group is). H. Conversion of a compound of the formula Vπ' into an amidine of the formula _HB: This reaction can be carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent, preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon such a benzene or toluene, at elevated temperature, e.g., 50° to reflux, and under an inert atmosphere. The dialkylaluminoamine of the formula R 1 2N-AIR can be generated by reaction of a trialkylaluminum R 3 AI with an amine R 1 2NH (or its hydrochloride) in the solvent in which the main reaction will be carried out, under an inert atmosphere. El. Conversion of a compound of the formula Vπ" into an imidate salt containing a cation of the formula HIA: This reaction is carried out by passing a stream of dry HCI through a solution of the nitrile in a lower alkanol, preferably ethanol or methanol. For process A, C, D or E, any remaining protecting group (designated Pg, Pg' or Pg" ) can be removed, for example as set out under Process B above. PREPARATION OF FURTHER COMPOUNDS Compounds of the formula I wherein A is selected from -0-CO-NR 1 -. -0-CO-, -NR 1 -C0-NR1-. -NR 1 -CO-, -0-, -CO-NR1- and -CO-0-, can be prepared by a process in which the left-hand part of the molecule represented by (CHjJn- is coupled to a compound providing the remainder of the molecule, including the group R 1 . Specific examples of processes for the preparation of such compounds follow: 1. For the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein A is -O-CO-NR 1 -, reaction of a hydroxy compound with an isocyanate: The resulting compound can then if desired be reacted with an alkylating agent to introduce another group R 1 on to the nitrogen atom in the side chain. The hydroxy compound can be prepared by reaction of a cyanide of the formula VH' with an alkanol and an alkoxide (e.g., sodium or potassium methoxide or ethoxide) and then with the alkanol and an acid to form an ester, which can then be reduced with a hydride reducing agent such as DiBALH and lithium aluminum hydride. However, it should be noted that the number of carbon atoms in the group Z 2 in the compound of the formula VH 1 will increase by 1 in this process. 2. For the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein A is -NR 1 -CO-NR 1 -, reaction of a amino compound with an isocyanate: The resulting compound can then if desired be reacted with an alkylating agent to introduce another group R 1 on to the N-(H) atom in the side chain. Any resulting mixture of products can then be resolved by standard methods such as chromatography. The amino compound can be prepared for example by reduction of a cyanide of the formula VH' with a hydride reducing agent such as DiBALH or lithium aluminum hydride, or by catalytic hydrogenation with e.g. Raney nickel or palladium on carbon. 3. For the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein A is -O-CO- or -NR 1 -CO-, reaction of a hydroxy or amino compound (as given in process 1 or 2 above) with a reactive derivative of an acid, especially the acid chloride: o 4. For the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein A is -0-, reaction of a hydroxy compound with a halide (according to the Williamson 5. For the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein A is -CO-NR 1 -, reaction of an ester with an dialkylaluminoamine, preferably one of the formula Mβ2AINR 1 2: 6. For the preparation of a compound of the formula I wherein A is -CO-O-, reaction of a reactive derivative of an acid, preferably a chloride, with an alcohol R 1 OH in the presence of a base, preferably an organic base such as a tertiary amine (e.g., pyridine or triethylamine): The acid chloride can be prepared by reaction of the corresponding acid with SOCI2, and this acid can be prepared by hydrolysis of a cyanide of the formula VH 1 with an alkanol and an alkoxide (e.g., sodium or potassium methoxide or ethoxide). All these reactions can be carried out by methods that are well known and/or disclosed in the literature. Further details are given in the Examples. EXAMPLES The following Examples illustrate but do not in any way limit the present invention: Example 1 : N-f.4-Chlorophenyl.methyl]-4-[H H-imidazol-4-yBmethvπbenzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride) Part A. A solution of ethyl magnesium bromide in ether (8.4 mL of a 3 M solution) was added to a solution of iodide 1 (synthesized according to the references given in J. Organic Chem. 1991, 56, 5739-5740; 10 g, 22.9 mmol) in CH2CI2 (90 mL) at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and a solution of aldehyde 2 (3.0 g, 22.9 mmol) in CH2CI2 (15 mL) was then added. The reaction was stirred overnight (about 18 hours) and then quenched by the addition of half-saturated NH 4 CI (100 mL). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with additional CH2CI2 (100 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered, and concentrated to give a white solid (11 g), which was triturated with CH2CI2 (100 mL) to yield 5.5 g of the desired material. Repetition of this procedure gave an additional 1.55 g of product. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue subjected to column chromatography (85:15 etheπacetone) which yielded a further 1.77 g of the desired material. Total yield 8.82 g (87%). Part B. A suspension of 3 (6.5 g, 14.7 mmol) and thiocarbonyldiimidazole (TCDI, 3.94 g, 22.1 mmol) was heated to reflux in THF (150 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere. After 2 hours, additional thiocarbonyldiimidazole (1 g) was added and the reaction stirred overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the dark residue was dissolved in CH2CI2 and washed with half-saturated NH 4 CI. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with additional CH2CI2 (2x 75 mL). The combined organic layers were washed successively with water and brine, and dried with MgS0 . Filtration and concentration gave a dark solid that was purified on a flash column (70:30 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give the thioimidazolide (7 g, 86%). A solution of the thioimidazolide (10 g, 18.15 mmol) and AIBN (azoisobutylnitrile) (0.45 g) in dry toluene (200 mL) was slowly added to a solution of n-Bu3SnH (11.1 g, 38.1 mmol) in refluxing dry toluene (200 mL) over about 2 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere. Additional AIBN (0.2 g) and n-Bu3SnH (3 g) were added, and the reaction was stirred overnight at reflux. It was then cooled to room temperature and washed with 0.1 N HCI, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, and dried (MgS0 4 ). Concentration gave a crude solid which was purified on a flash column (85:15 hexane:isopropanol) to give 6.5 g (85%) of 4 as a white solid. Part C. A solution of 4-chlorobenzyl amine (0.16 g, 1.1 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of Mβ3AI (0.55 mL of a 2M solution in toluene, 1.1 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) at room temperature and under a nitrogen atmosphere. After 45 minutes at room temperature, 4 (0.213 g, 0.5 mmol) in toluene (3 mL) was added and the reaction was heated to 80°C overnight. An additional two equivalents of the aluminum reagent (from Mβ3AI and 4-chloro- benzyl amine) was added and the reaction stirred for 2 hours at 100°C. The reaction was then cooled to room temperature and quenched by the addition of saturated aqueous sodium sulfate. When gas evolution ceased, solid sodium sulfate was added. The mixture was filtered, concentrated, and purified on a flash column (100 g Siθ2, 92:8 CH2C.2:MeOH/NH 3 ). A white solid was obtained (230 mg, 81%). Part D. 1 N HCI (20 mL) was added to a solution of 5 (0.51 g, 0.9 mmol) in ethanol (25 mL) and the reaction heated to 60°C for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature, water (50 mL) was added and the solid that precipitated was removed by filtration. The aqueous layer was washed with ether and concentrated in vacuo. A white glassy solid, 6, was obtained (0.24 g, 67%). Example 2 In a similar manner to that of Example 1 , the following compounds were obtained: 6a: N-[(4-Methoxyphenyl)methyl]-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride); 6b: N-[(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)methyl]-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride); 6c: N-[(4-Pyridyl)methyl]-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride); 6d: N-(2-Phenylethyl)-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride): Example 3: 4-[(1 H-lmidazol-4-yl)methyl ' lbenzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride. Part A. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.90 g, 13 mmol) and potassium hydroxide (0.73 g, 13 mmol) were stirred for 5 minutes in absolute ethanol at room temperature. Compound 4 (0.55 g, 1.3 mmol) in absolute ethanol (25 mL) was added and the reaction heated to reflux for three hours. It was then cooled to room temperature, filtered, and concentrated to give a white solid. This solid was dissolved in 0.5N HCI and heated to 50°C for one hour. The mixture was cooled, filtered, and washed with ether. The aqueous layer was concentrated and the residue applied to a flash column (85:15 CH2Cl2:MeOH/NH3). Compound 8 was obtained as a white solid (0.125 g, 44%). Part B. A solution of 8 (0.12 g, 0.56 mmol) and Raney-Nickel (about 0.1 g wet) were hydrogenated on a Parr shaker under 4.4 kg.cm." 2 H2 pressure (63 psi H2) at room temperature overnight. The heterogeneous mixture was filtered through Celite, and the filter cake washed with additional ethanol. The ethanol was removed on the rotary evaporator, and the residue purified by HPLC (RCM 25x10 silica gel column eluted with acetonitrile:water:conc. HCI 1600 mL:400 mL:0.5 mL at 3 mLmin.). Compound 9 (0.123 g, 81%) was obtained as a glass. Example 4: 3-f(1 H-lmidazol-4-yl.methyr|benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride) In the same manner as that used to prepare compound 9, compound 10 was prepared. Example 5: 3-r(1 H-lmidazol-4-yl.ethyl]benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride. Part A. Pφ 3 , Toluene The nitrile 11 (9.8 g, 0.05 mole) and triphenylphosphine (14.4 g, 0.055 mole) were combined in toluene (100 mL) and heated to reflux under a nitrogen atmosphere for 8 hours. A white precipitate formed. The reaction was cooled, and the solid was collected by filtration and washed with toluene (150 mL), and dried under vacuum. A white solid was obtained (19.7 g, 86%) and used without further purification in the next step. Part B. A solution of potassium t-butoxide in THF (16.3 mL of a 1 M solution) was added dropwise to a suspension of the phosphonium salt 12 (7.45 g, 16.3 mmol) in dry THF (45 mL) under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature. The orange suspension was stirred for three minutes and a solution of the alde¬ hyde 13 (5 g, 14.8 mmol) [prepared according to Bernabe and Burger, J. Med. Chem., 14 (1971) 883-885]in dry THF (45 mL) was added. After 3.5 hours at room temperature, the reaction was diluted with ether and filtered through Celite. The Celite was washed with additional ether. The organic layer was dried (MgS0 4 ) and concentrated to give a solid that was purified on a flash column (Siθ2, 1 :1 hexane:ethyl acetate) to give 5.03 g (78%) of 14 as a white solid. Part C. Hydroxylamine hydrochloride (8 g, 115 mmol) and potassium hydroxide (6.8 g, 121 mmol) were combined in ethanol (100 mL) and heated to 50°C for 10 minutes. A solution of 14 (5.03 g, 11.5 mmol) in ethanol (100 mL) was added and the reaction heated to reflux for 2 hours. It was cooled, filtered and concentrated. The solid that was obtained was dissolved in 1 N HCI (80 mL) and heated to 60°C. After 1.5 hours the reaction mixture was filtered and the aqueous layer was washed with ether and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in methanol/NH3 and stirred for twenty minutes. The solvent was removed and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and methylene chloride (80:20) and washed with water. The aqueous layer was extracted again and the combined organic layers were dried (MgS0 ), filtered, and concentrated to give 2.5 g (94 % ) of 15 as a white solid. Part P. Raney nickel (about 0.5 g wet) and compound 15 (0.46 g, 2 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL) were combined in a Parr bottle and hydrogenated under 4.2 kg.cm. -2 H2 pressure (60 psi H2) 60 psi H2. After 20 hours, the mixture was filtered and the residue was washed with additional ethanol. Upon concentration, an amber gum was obtained which was purified by HPLC (RCM 25x10, Siθ2, acetonitrile:water:conc. HCI 1600 mL:400:0.5, 3 mlJmin, 254 nm). Compound 16 was obtained as a glass (0.31 g, 54%). Example 6 4-f(1 H-lmidazol-4-yl.ethyl]benzene methanimidamide (as dihydrochloride) In a manner similar to that used to prepare compound 16, compound 17 was prepared. Example 7: 4-.(1 H-lmidazol-4-yl.methvπbenzenemethanamine (as dihydrochloride. Part A. Compound 4 (1.53 g, 3.6 mmol) was combined with Raney-Nickel (about 1 g), methanol saturated with ammonia (50 mL), and chloroplatinic acid (0.8 mL of a solution of 1.0 g of the acid in 10 mL of water) in a Parr bottle and shaken under 4.2 kg.cm/ 2 H2 pressure (60 psi H2) for 24 hours. The reaction was filtered through Celite and concentrated on the rotary evaporator. The crude material was purified on a flash column (200 g Siθ2; 95:5 CH2Cl2:MeOH/NH3) to give 1.31 g (85%) of 20 as a white solid. Part B- To a solution of 20 (1.31 g, 3.1 mmol) in absolute ethanol (30 mL) was added 1 N HCI (20 mL) and the heterogeneous mixture heated to 70°C for 2 hours. The reaction was cooled, filtered, and concentrated. Water (50 mL) was added and the solution washed with ether. The aqueous layer was concentrated to give a white solid (0.8 g, 99%). Example 8: N-[(4-Chlorophenyl.methyl1-4-f(1 H-imidazol-4-yl.methyl]benzene propanimidamide (as dihydrochloride. Part A. In an analogous manner to that described in Example 1 Part A, compound 22 was obtained in 81% yield by the reaction of the Grignard reagent derived from 1 and terephthalaldehyde mono-(diethylacetal). Part B. In a manner similar to that described in Example 1 Part B above, compound 23 was derived from compound 22 in 36% overall yield. Part C. To a solution of 23 (1.37 g, 2.73 mmol) in acetone (15 mL) was added Amberlyst-15 resin (0.15 g) and water (0.2 mL). The reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature and filtered, and the resin washed with additional acetone (25 mL). After drying (MgS0 4 ) and concentration, a white solid was obtained (1.03 g, 88%) that was used without further purification. Part P. Neat diethyl cyanomethylphosphonate (2.6 mMol, 0.46 g) was added dropwise over 10 min to a pentane-washed suspension of NaH (0.104 g of a 60% suspension in mineral oil, 2.6 mmol) in THF (30 mL) under argon at 0°C . After 45 min., aldehyde 24 (0.86 g, 2 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was added and the reaction stirred for 4 hours. The reaction was poured into water and extracted with chloroform (3 x 75 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with 12% NaOH, dried (MgS0 4 ), and concentrated. The crude olefins 25 were purified on a flash column (150 g S.O 2 ; 90:10 etheπhexane) to give 0.63 g of a 7.5:1 trans :cis mixture of olefins (70%). Part E. M eθ N H aB /p H y 4 ridin >e To a solution of 25 (0.43 g, 0.95 mmol) in methanol (0.5 mL) and pyridine (1.5 mL) was added NaBH (0.04 g, 1.05 mmol) portionwise. The reaction was heated to 120°C for 36 hours, cooled and poured into saturated aqueous NH 4 CI. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate, and the combined organic layers were dried with MgS0 . Filtration and concentration on the rotary evaporator gave a thick oil which was purified on a flash column (75 g Siθ 2 ; ether) to give 0.3 g (70%) of 26. In an analogous manner to that described in Example 1 parts C and D above, compound 26 was transformed into compound 27 (36% overall yield). Example 9: N-r(4-Chlorophenyl.methyll-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl .methyllbenzene ethanimidamide (as dihydrochloride. Part A. To a solution of t-BuOK in THF (6.5 mL of a 1 M solution) at -40°C was added a solution of TosMic (tosylmethylisocyanide) (0.66 g, 3.4 mmol) in THF (5 mL) followed by the aldehyde 24 (1.31 g, 3.1 mmol) in THF (5 mL). After 1 hour at this temperature, MeOH (10 mL) was added and the reaction heated to reflux for 20 min. It was then cooled to room temperature and the solvent removed under a stream of nitrogen. The residue was dissolved in CH 2 CI2 and washed with water/acetic acid (10 mL/0.4 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2CI2, and the combined organic layers were washed with aqueous NaHCθ3 and dried (MgS0 ). The residue obtained upon filtration and evaporation was purified on a flash column (85:15 hexane:isopropanol) to give 0.55 g (40%) of 28. In a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 Parts C and D above, compound 28 was converted into compound 29. Example 10: 4-Chloro-N-[[4-[ ( 1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyllphenyl]methyl1benz- amide Part A. Distilled Et3N (0.25 g, 2.5 mmol) was added to a solution of 20 (0.43 g, 1.0 mmol) in dry methylene chloride (10 mL). The solution was cooled in an ice water bath, and 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride (0.19 g, 1.1 mmol) was added slowly (25 min.). After 1 hour, the reaction was poured into ice-water and extracted with methylene chloride (2 x 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (MgS0 4 ), and concentrated to give a white solid that was purified by flash column chromatography (95:5 methylene chloride: methanol/NH3). Compound 30 was obtained as a white solid (0.55 g, 97%). Part B. In a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 , Part D, Compound 30 was transformed into compound 31. Example 11 : N-f ( 4-Chlorophenyl.methyll-4- ( 1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl.benz- amide Part A Compound 4 (3 g, 7.1 mmol), 2N NaOH (7.5 mL), and ethanol (35 mL) were heated to reflux for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated to a paste. Ethanol (50 mL) was added and the mixture concentrated again. This procedure was repeated with toluene. Sulfuric acid (3 mL) and ethanol (30 mL) were added to the residue, and the mixture was heated to reflux for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and adjusted to pH 8 with 2N NaOH. Water was added, and the aqueous mixture extracted with methylene chloride (4 x 35 mL). The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated. The crude product was redissolved in dry methylene chloride (60 mL) and triethylamine (1.96 mL), and trityl chloride (2.34 g) were added. After 4 hours, additional methylene chloride (100 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was washed with water and brine. The crude material obtained upon drying and concentration was purified on a flash column (ether) to give 32 as a white solid (1.9 g, 57%). Part B In a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 Parts C and D above, compound 32 was converted into compound 33. Example 12: 4-ff4-[[ ( 4-Chlorophenyl.methoxy]methyllphenyl1methyl]-1 H- imidazole Part A DiBAL-H was added dropwise over 3 min. to a solution of 32 (1 g, 2.1 mmol) in dry THF (14 mL) at 0°C. After 30 min., the reaction was quenched by the slow addition of 2N NaOH. The reaction mixture was poured into ether (60 mL) and additional 2N NaOH (1.5 mL) and water (1.5 mL) were added. After stirring for 10 min., the turbid mixture was washed with water. The water layer was back-extracted with additional ether (25 mL), and the combined ether layers were dried (MgS0 4 ). The crude material was purified on a flash column (ether) to give 0.84 g (93%) of 34 as a white solid. Part B. 34 35 NaH (0.032 g of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.8 mmol) was added to a solution of 34 (0.26 g, 0.6 mmol) in dry THF (5 mL) at 0°C. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and then stirred for 20 min.; it was then recooled to 0°C, and 4-chlorobgnzyl bromide (0.12 g, 0.6 mmol) was added. The reaction was slowly warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Additional NaH (0.008 g) and 4-chlorobenzyl bromide (0.041 g) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred an additional 6 hours. The reaction was diluted with ether and washed with water and brine. After drying (MgS0 4 ), the crude material was purified on a flash column (90:10 etheπhexane) to give 35 as a white solid (0.15 g, 46%). In a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 , Part D, compound 35 was transformed into compound 36. Example 13: f4-(1H-lmidazol-4-ylmethyl.phenvπmethyl N-(4-chloro- phenvhearbamate Part A 4-Chlorophenyl isocyanate (0.1 g, 0.66 mmol) was slowly added to a solution of 34 (0.26 g, 0.6 mmol) in dry pyridine (4 mL) at 0°C. When TLC (ether) indicated complete reaction, the pyridine was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride (50 mL) and washed with saturated aqueous NaHC03 and water and dried (MgS0 4 ). The residue obtained upon concentrating was purified on a flash column (80:20 etheπhexane) to give 0.15 g (43%) of 37 as a white solid. Part B 38 HCI In a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 , Part D, compound 37 was transformed into compound 38. Example 14: [4-(1 H-lmidazol-4-ylmethyl.phenyl]methyl 4-chlorobenzoate Part A 4-Chlorobenzoyl chloride (0.12 g, 0.66 mmol) was slowly added over 20 min. to a solution of 34 (0.26 g, 0.6 mmol) and triethylamine (0.15 g, 1.5 mmol) in dry methylene chloride (10 mL) at 0°C. After 30 min., the reaction was diluted with additional methylene chloride (30 mL) and poured into half-saturated NaHC0 3 (20 mL). The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further extracted with methylene chloride (25 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (MgS0 4 ) and concentrated to give a foam that was purified on a flash column (80:20 etheπhexane). Compound 39 (0.22 g, 64%) was obtained as a white solid. Part B In a manner analogous to that described in Example 1 , Part D, compound 39 was transformed into compound 40. Example 15: (4-Chlorophenyl.methyl 4-(1 H-imidazol-4-ylmethyl.benzoate Part A H 4 41 υ A suspension of 4 (1 g, 2.4 mmol) in ethanol (5 mL) and 2N NaOH (5 mL) was heated to reflux for 20 hours. After cooling, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in 1 N HCI (25 mL) and heated to 60°C for 2 hours. The remaining solid was removed by filtration after cooling, and the aqueous layer was concentrated to give a solid. This was used in the next step without purification. Part B The residue from Part A was suspended in SOCI 2 (20 mL) and stirred for 20 hours at room temperature. The excess SOCI 2 was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dried by azeotropic removal of toluene. The resulting yellow solid was used directly in the next step without purification. Part C 4-Chlorobenzyl alcohol (0.71 g, 5 mmol) and triethylamine (1.01 g, 10 mmol) were added to a suspension of the acid chloride from Part B in dry methylene chloride (15 mL) at 0°C. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 24 hours. Additional methylene chloride (50 mL) was added and the organic layer was washed with saturated aqueous NaHCU 3 . The organic layer was separated and dried (MgS0 4 ). Concentration gave an amber oil that was purified on a flash column (97:3 CH2Cl2:MeOH/NH 3 ). A white solid was obtained (0.36 g, 46% from nitrile 4). This material was dissolved in methylene chloride (10 mL) and 1 N HCI in ether (5 mL) was added. The solvent was evaporated under a stream of dry argon to give 43 as a white solid (0.4 g, 100%). Other compounds named herein can be prepared analogously, together with the following compounds: N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-2-fluoro-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-2-chloro-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-methyl-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-2-(1 -propenyl)-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4- yl)methyl]benzene ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-trifluoromethyl-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4- yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-2-(1-propynyl)-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4- yl)methyl]benzene ethanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-methoxy-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4- yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide; N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-2-dimethylamino-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4- yl)methyl]benzene ethanimidamide; and N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-methylthio-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4- yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide. TABLE 2: MASS SPECTRAL DATA FOR COMPOUNDS OF THE EXAMPLES: Compound Mass Compound Mass Number Spectrum Number Spectrum 6 Calc: 325.1220 2 1 Calc: 187.1 109 Found: 325.1231 Found: 187.1 122 6a Calc: 320.1637 27 Calc: 352.1455 Found: 320.1620 Found: 352.1476 6 b Calc: 358.1404 29 Calc: 338.1298 Found: 358.1411 Found: 338.1314 6c Calc: 291.1484 31 Calc: 326.1060 Found: 291.1500 Found: 326.1059 6d Calc: 304.1688 33 Calc: 326.1060 Found: 304.1702 Found: 326.1059 9 Calc: 200.1062 36 Calc: 313.1108 Found: 200.1074 Found: 313.1 108 1 0 Calc: 201.1140 38 Calc: 342.1009 Found: 201.1152 Found: 342.0998 1 6 Calc: 215.1297 40 Calc: 327.0900 Found: 215.1305 Found: 327.0891 1 7 Calc: 215.1297 43 Calc: 327.0900 Found: 215.1292 Found: 327.0897 H 3 Receptor Binding: H 3 Receptor Binding Assay The source of the H 3 receptors in this experiment was guinea pig brain. The animals weighed 400-600 g. The brain tissue was homogenized using a Polytron in a solution of 50 mM Tris, pH 7.5. The final concentration of tissue in the homogenization buffer was 10% w/v. The homogenates were centrifuged at 1,000 x g for 10 min. in order to remove clumps of tissue and debris. The resulting supernatants were then centrifuged at 50,000 x g for 20 min. in order to sediment the membranes, which were next washed three times in homogenization buffer (50,000 x g for 20 min. each). The membranes were frozen and stored at -70°C until needed. All compounds to be tested were dissolved in DMSO and then diluted into the binding buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7.5) such that the final concentration was 2μg/mL with 0.1% DMSO. Membranes were then added (400 μg of protein) to the reaction tubes. The reaction was started by the addition of 3 nM [ 3 H]R-α- methylhistamine (8.8 Ci/mmol) or 3 nM [ 3 H]N α -methylhistamine (80 Ci/mmol) and continued under incubation at 30°C for 30 min. Bound ligand was separated from unbound ligand by filtration, and the amount of radioactive ligand bound to the membranes was quantitated by liquid scintillation spectrometry. All incubations were performed in duplicate and the standard error was always less than 10%. Compounds that inhibited more than 70% of the specific binding of radioactive ligand to the receptor were serially diluted to determine a Kj (μM). The results are given in Table 3 and Table 4. Table 3: Kj(μM) values Compound Ki Compound Ki Compound Kj Number (μM) Number (μM) Number (μM) 6 0.0140 9 0.038 21 0.078 6 a 0.56 1 0 0.31 27 0.18 6b 0.14 1 6 0.22 29 0.0072 6 d 0.45 1 7 0.17 38 0.024 Table 4: inhibition of binding of radioactive ligand Compound Inhibition (%) Compound Inhibition (%) Number at 2 μg/ml Number at 2 μg/ml 6c 48 36 6 - 87 30 61 40 10 33 61 43 16 - 78 From these test results and the background knowledge about the compounds described in the references in the section "Background of the Invention", it is to be expected that the compounds of the invention would be useful in treating inflammation, allergy, diseases of the Gl-tract, cardiovascular disease, or disturbances of the central nervous system. Pharmaceutically acceptable inert carriers used for preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds of Formula I and their salts can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. The powders and tablets may comprise from about 5 to about 70 percent active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers are known in the art, e.g. magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose. Tablets, powders, cachets and capsules can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration. Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions and emulsions, for example water or water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection. Liquid form preparations may also include solutions for intranasal administration. Also included are solid form preparations which are intended for conversion, shortly before use, into liquid form preparations for either oral or parenteral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions an emulsions. Aerosol preparations suitable for inhalation may include solutions and solids in powder form, which may be in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as an inert compressed gas. For preparing suppositories, a low melting wax such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter is first melted, and the active ingredient is dispersed homogeneously therein as by stirring. The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into conveniently sized molds, and allowed to cool and thereby solidify. Preferably the compound is administered orally. Preferably, the pharmaceutical preparation is in unit dosage form. In suc form, the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component, e.g., an effective amount to achieve the desired purpose. The quantity of active compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from about 0.1 mg to 1000 mg, more preferably from about 1 mg to 500 mg, according to the particular application. The actual dosage employed may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. The determination of the proper dosage for a particular condition is within the skill of the art. Generally, treatment is initiated with smaller dosages which are less than the optimum dose of the compound. Thereafter, the dosage is increased b small amounts until the optimum effect under the circumstances is reached. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day if desired. The amount and frequency of administration of the compounds of the invention and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof will be regulated according to the judgement of the attending clinician considering such factors a age, condition and size of the patient as well as severity of the symptoms being treated. A typical recommended dosage regimen is oral administration of from 1 mg to 2000 mg/day, preferably 10 to 1000 mg/day, in one to four divided doses to achieve relief of the symptoms. The compounds are non-toxic when administered at therapeutic doses. The following are examples of pharmaceutical dosage forms which contain a compound of the invention. As used therein, the term "active compound" is used to designate one of the compounds of the formula I or salt thereof, especially compounds 6 and 29 herein (as free base), namely N-[(4- chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide and N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4-[(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene ethanimidamide, or the dihydrochloride thereof, but any other compound of the formula I or salt thereof can be substituted therefor: Pharmaceutical Dosage Form Examples EXAMPLE A Tablets No. Ingredient? mg/tablet mg/tablet 1. Active compound 100 500 2. Lactose USP 122 1 13 3. Corn Starch, Food Grade, 30 40 as a 10% paste in Purified Water 4. Corn Starch, Food Grade 45 40 5. Magnesium Stearate 3 7 Total 300 700 Method of Manufacture Mix Items No. 1 and 2 in a suitable mixer for 10 to 15 minutes. Granulate the mixture with Item No. 3. Mill the damp granules through a coarse screen (e.g., 1/4", 0.63 cm) if necessary. Dry the damp granules. Screen the dried granules if necessary and mix with Item No. 4 and mix for 10-15 minutes. Add Item No. 5 and mix for 1 to 3 minutes. Compress the mixture to appropriate size and weigh on a suitable tablet machine. EXAMPLE B Capsules Nfi. Ingredient mg/capsule mg/capsule 1. Active compound 100 500 2. Lactose USP 106 123 3. Corn Starch, Food Grade 40 70 4. Magnesium Stearate NF 4 7 Total 250 700 Method of Manufacture Mix Items No. 1 , 2 and 3 in a suitable blender for 10 to 15 minutes. Add Item No. 4 and mix for 1 to 3 minutes. Fill the mixture into suitable two-piece hard gelatin capsules on a suitable encapsulating machine. While a number of embodiments of this invention are described herein, it is apparent that the embodiments can be altered to provide other embodiments that utilize the compositions and processes of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of this invention includes alternative embodiments and variations which are defined in the foregoing Specification and by the Claims appended hereto; and the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments that have been presented herein by way of example.

Claims: CLAIMS: A compound of the formula wherein: A is selected from -O-C0-NR1-, -0-CO-, -NR1-CO-NR1- -NR1-CO-, -NR1-, -0-, -CO-NR1- -CO-0-, and -C(:NR1)-NR1-; the groups R 1 , which may be the same or different when there are two or three such groups in the molecule of formula I, are selected from hydrogen, and lower alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclic and heterocyclyl-alkyl groups, and groups of the formula -(CH2)y-G, where G is selected from CO2R 3 , COR 3 , CONR 3 R 4 , OR 3 , SR 3 , NR 3 R 4 , heteroaryl and phenyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy or polyhaloloweralkyl, and y is an integer from 1 to 3; R 2 is selected from hydrogen and halogen atoms, and alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and trifluoromethyl groups, and groups of the formula OR 3 , SR 3 and NR 3 R 4 ; R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from hydrogen, and lower alkyl and cycloalkyl groups, or R 3 and R 4 together with the intervening nitrogen atom can form a saturated ring containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms that can be substituted with one or two lower alkyl groups; with the proviso that, when y is 1 and G is OR 3 , SR 3 or NR 3 R 4 , then neither R 3 nor R 4 is hydrogen; the group -(CH2)n-A-R 1 is at the 3- or 4-position, and the group R 2 is at any free position; m is an integer from 1 to 3; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base when G is CO2H; including a tautomeric form thereof. 2. A compound of claim 1 having the fomula wherein: X is H 2 or NH; the groups R 1 , which may be the same or different when there are two or three such groups in the molecule of formula I, are selected from hydrogen, and lower alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, and heterocyclic groups, and groups of the formula -(CH 2 )yG- where G is selected from C0 2 R 3 , COR 3 , CONR 3 R 4 OR 3 , SR 3 , NR 3 R 4 , heteroaryl and phenyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy or polyhaloloweralkyi, and y is an integer from 1 to 3; m, n, R 3 and R 4 are as defined in claim 1 ; the group (CH 2 ) n -CX-NR 1 R 2 is at the 3- or 4-position; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base when G is CO2H; including a tautomeric form thereof. 3. A compound as claimed in claim 2 wherein m is 1 or 2 and n is 0, 1 or 2. 4. A compound as claimed in claim 3 having the formula wherein m, n, and R 1 are as defined in claim 1. 5. A compound of the formula IB defined in claim 4 wherein the side chain -(CH 2 )n-C(=NH)NR 1 2 is at the 4-position. 6. A compound as claimed in claim 5 wherein m is 1 or 2 and n is 0, 1 or 2. 7. A compound as claimed in claim 6 wherein the groups R 1 , which may be the same or different, are selected from hydrogen, and aryl groups, and groups of the formula -(CH2)y-G, where G is selected from pyridyl and phenyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy or polyhaloloweralkyi, and y is 1 or 2. 8. A compound as claimed in claim 7 wherein one of the groups R 1 is selected from hydrogen, 4-chlorophenylmethyl, 4-methoxyphenylmethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl and 4-pyridylmethyl, and the other is a hydrogen atom. 9. A compound as claimed in claim 3 wherein A is selected from -CO-0-, -O-CO-NR .-, anc j _o_. 10. A compound as claimed in claim 9 wherein the side chain -(CH2)n-A-R 1 is at the 4-position, m is 1 or 2 and n is 0, 1 or 2. 11. A compound as claimed in claim 10 wherein the groups R 1 , which may be the same or different, are selected from hydrogen, and aryl groups, and groups of the formula -(CH2)y-G, where G is selected from pyridyl and phenyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy or polyhaloloweralkyi, and y is 1 or 2. 12. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein one of the groups R 1 is selected from hydrogen, 4-chlorophenylmethyl, 4-methoxyphenylmethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl and 4-pyridylmethyl, and the other is a hydrogen atom. 13. A compound as claimed in claim 1 having the formula 14. A compound of claim 1, having the name N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4- [(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene methanimidamide and the structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. 15. A compound of claim 1 , having the name N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-4- [(1 H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]benzene ethanimidamide and the structure: or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. 16. The dihydrochloride of the compound of claim 14. 17. The dihydrochloride of the compound of claim 15. 18. A pharmaceutical composition containing as active ingredient a compound of the formula I defined in claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a base when G is CO 2 H, together with a pharmaceutical carrier or excipient. 19. A method for treating inflammation, which comprises administering to a patient suffering from inflammation an effective amount of a compound or salt as claimed in claim 1. 20. A method for treating allergy, which comprises administering to a patient suffering from allergy an effective amount of a compound or salt as claimed in claim 1. 21. A method for treating diseases of the Gl-tract, which comprises administering to a patient suffering from a disease of the Gl-tract an effective amount of a compound or salt as claimed in claim 1. 22. A method for treating cardiovascular disease, which comprises administering to a patient suffering from cardiovascular disease an effective amount of a compound or salt as claimed in claim 1. 23. A method for treating disturbances of the central nervous system, which comprises administering to a patient suffering from disturbances of the central nervous system an effective amount of a compound or salt as claimed in claim 1.

Inventors: ASLANIAN ROBERT G, GREEN MICHAEL J, SHIH NENG-YANG, ASLANIAN, ROBERT, G., GREEN, MICHAEL, J., SHIH, NENG-YANG
Applicants: ASLANIAN ROBERT G, GREEN MICHAEL J, SCHERING CORP, SHIH NENG YANG, ASLANIAN, ROBERT, G., GREEN, MICHAEL, J., SCHERING CORPORATION, SHIH, NENG-YANG
Application year: 1994
Main classification: C07D233
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P9, A61P25, A61P29, A61P37, A61P43, C07D233, C07D401